'Regret That I Could Not Completely Demolish The Feudal Culture In Which You Serve' : Justice Sanjib Banerjee To Madras HC Staff In Farewell Message

Madras High Court Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee today left Chennai to assume charge as the Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court following the notification of his transfer by the Centre on November 15. The Supreme Court collegium had recommended his transfer to the Meghalaya High Court in a meeting held on September 16. However, a notification to this effect had been published only on November 9 raising doubts over such a delayed publication.

Chief Justice Banerjee who hails from the Calcutta High Court had been appointed as the Chief Justice of Madras High Court on January 4. Known for consistently seeking accountability from public authorities in their discharge of duties, Chief Justice Banerjee has made several notable interventions during his brief tenure. He has also made scathing criticisms against the Union government in cases pertaining to Covid-19 management, vaccine procurement amongst others during the peak of Covid-19 second wave. 

In in a bid to express gratitude towards the members of the legal fraternity in Madras High Court, the Chief Justice has left an earnest departing message. Addressing the letter to his 'family' at the Madras High Court, he apologized for being unable to bid goodbye in person. 

"My dear family at the Madras High Court', To my colleagues at the Bench: I apologise. First, for being unable to last the distance and second, for not saying goodbye to you in person", the letter states. 

Furthermore, referring to the people who might have felt offended by his actions or words, the letter avers, 

"To the few of you who may have felt, offended by any of my actions, please know that they were never personal: I perceived those actions as necessary for the institution."

Message for the members of the Bar 

"To the members of the Bar; you are among the best in the country and have suffered a talkative and sometimes grumpy old Judge with more patience, respect and understanding that I may have deserved. My sincere gratitude to you for all your kind words", the letter reads. 

Message for the Registry 

Addressing the Registry of the High Court, the letter states, 

"To my Registry: your efficiency made administration easy. I also acknowledge the sincerity that you have shown to improve and better the systems and processes; please continue your endeavour to bring about transparency and accountability."

Message for the staff 

"To all the staff: I am sorry for the long hours that you had to keep for me. I appreciate your fullest cooperation. My regret is that I could not completely demolish the feudal culture in which you serve", the Chief Justice stated. 

While concluding his letter, Chief Justice Banerjee mentioned that he and his wife are thankful for the kindness and warmth received during his tenure. 

"Ranee and I remain forever indebted to everyone in this beautiful and glorious State we had the privilege of calling our own for the last eleven months and for the kindmess and warmth which we were greeted during the entire tenure. We leave with the happiest memories. God bless and warm regards",  the letter stated in conclusion. 

"Nandri, Vanakkam" - Justice Banerjee used the Tamil words for 'thank you' and 'respect' while concluding his letter.

The transfer of Chief Justice Banerjee has been subject to severe outrage as it has been perceived to be a 'punitive transfer'. Recently, over 200 practicing advocates of the Madras High Court have written to the Chief Justice of India, N. V. Ramana, and other four members of the Collegium expressing their anguish over the seemingly abrupt decision of transferring Chief Justice Banerjee.

The Madras Bar Association has also passed a resolution urging the Supreme Court Collegium to reconsider the recommendation to transfer Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee to Meghalaya High Court.

Expressing 'deep concern and disappointment' with the decision of the Supreme Court collegium to transfer Chief Justice Sanjib Bannerjee of the Madras High Court to the Meghalaya High Court, The Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reform (CJAR) has also sought the recall of the Collegium's decision.

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